Computed Tomography Guided Percutaneous Bacterial Liver Abscess Drainage

  Objective  To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) -guided percutaneous drainage of bacterial liver abscesses.

  Methods  CT-guided percutaneous abscess drainages were performed in 54 patients with bacterial liver abscesses in our hospital between January 2004 and December 2010. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed.

  Results  Of these 54 patients, 37 had single abscesses and 17 had multiple abscesses. The mean diameter of abscesses was (10.5±5.6) cm. The technical success rate of drainage was 100%. No procedure-related major complications was noted. Symptoms were improved after drainages in all patients. The mean duration of catheterization was (20.6±7.8) days for 41 patients, and 13 patients were discharged from hospital with catheters.

  Conclusion  CT-guided percutaneous drainage is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of bacterial liver abscess.